Big, Black Dogs Hardest to Adopt Out

This big black dog won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show, but don't get me started on dog shows!
Photo by Stephen Chernin / Getty Images.

Anyone who's involved with a shelter or a dog rescue group can tell you that big, black dogs are the most difficult to adopt out. A recent article in the Dallas News explores a variety of reasons behind the preference for smaller, lighter colored dogs, ranging from the trendiness of smaller dogs, to the challenges of photographing black dogs, to the media's negative portrayal of big black dogs in movies such as Harry Potter.

I'm saddened that pop culture has so much sway over people's companion animal decisions, especially when you think about the number of people who have decided to buy or breed tiny dogs in response to the latest celebrity dog trend. Smaller dogs can live to be 15 or 20 years old, and we all know what happens to animals who are acquired impulsively, after they are no longer trendy.

This preference for smaller non-black dogs also spells death for the many big black dogs in shelters around the country. I wish the dog overpopulation problem could be solved if there were no prejudice against big black dogs, but there are so many animals in shelters, the problem would be far from solved. The solution is, of course, is to spay and neuter your companion animals, always adopt, and never buy or breed.

Links:

• If we all spay and neuter our cats and dogs, won’t they become extinct?
  
• Is there really a pet overpopulation problem?
  
• Should I Have My Rabbit Spayed or Neutered?
  
• What is a Puppy Mill?